Hamburger University

Wondering how much training they did, hmmm?

Sabrina Brown, Ron McDonald and Ian MacDonald at national PTA training in Chicago at Hamburger University Nov. 6, 2010.

Education Nation (NBC)

Good Evening,

I hope you have had the chance to listen to some of this forum, it's about time that everybody got in the pool together. Exciting news from National PTA and the Bill and Malinda Gates Foundation have created a program to research our schools and the progress they are making in comparison to the State and area local Schools. To find out more go to
www. Educationnation.com then Score Card and proceed.



Michael Mooney
President,
NH PTA

Education Nation

Good Evening,

It's started Education Nation on NBC stations both during the morning news and evening news as well as MSNBC all day. Join this debate of the public school system and ideas to improve it, Parents, teachers, students and school administrators.


Michael Mooney
President,
NH PTA

Meeting with SNHAA

Good Evening,

Last week I had the pleasure of doing a presentation at the Southeastern New Hampshire Administrators Association at Exeter High School. The geographical make up of the School Administrators range from Wakefield, Northwood, Seabrook, Portsmouth, and all points in between. During my presentation I explained the differences between PTA and other parent groups, emphasising on PTA's Federal Legislative efforts that set us apart from any other group. Parent Involvement or Family Engagement was another topic along with HR #5211 and the upcoming Senate Bill on Family Engagement. While most School Districts do not have a policy on Family Engagement all were willing to start the process of creating one for both local and State Purposes.

Michael Mooney
President,
NH PTA

97th NH PTA Convention

ALL LOCAL UNITS OF THE NEW HAMPSHIRE CONGRESS OF PARENTS AND TEACHERS ARE REQUESTED TO SEND DELEGATES TO THE 97TH ANNUAL CONVENTION. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 12TH AND SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 13TH. RADISSON HOTEL, 11 TARA BOULEVARD, NASHUA, NH 03062.

Click for more info about convention.

September Bulletin

September Bulletin is now available online. Bulletin covers from message from NH President, Michael Mooney, to information about convention to news about NH Bullying Law.

Click to read September Bulletin.

In The Running for $250K !!!

Vote for PTA to win $250K for the Million Hours of Power idea from Pepsi Refresh Project. Vote everyday during the month of September.

District 7 & 5 Informal Meeting

FYI of the upcoming informal NHPTA District 7 and 5 meeting at East Rochester School on September 29th at 6:30pm. We hope this will allow units in district 7 and 5 to get together and share ideas and get some information to help kick off a wonderful school year! Directions.

PTA Healthy Lifestyles Grant Program

Learn tips and techniques to apply for this up to $1000 grant on Monday, August 30th via conference call. You must RSVP by Friday, August 27th to Rosa Vivanco at rvivanco@pta.org in order to participate. Click for more info.

NH PTA Summer District Meetings

Good Evening,

How did we do? What can we do better? What did you like the most? What are your thoughts about HR # 5211 and Family Engagement in Public Education? Is this something you thought was in place already? Are you surprised that NH does not have a policy on Family Engagement? Will you and your school be an advocate for a policy in NH?

Once again thank you to everyone who attended your summer district meeting. It was our pleasure to meet all of you during our travels throughout the state.

To Kristine; Thank you, thank you for all that you do for the Local PTA Units and Members of NH PTA and the Board of Directors of NH PTA.


Michael Mooney
President,
NH PTA

Summer District Meeting #6 Derry, NH

Good Evening,

District # 2 of NH PTA thank you for your hospitality, to Barka Elementary once again your dedication and effort to welcome NH PTA is unmeasurable. To the schools that attended last night thank you, If there was an award for variety of foods at Summer District Meetings you would get it, although food at all meetings was plentiful and superb. We hope you have a wonderful year at your schools, and look forward to seeing you at convention.

Michael Mooney
President,
NH PTA

Summer District Meeting #5 Atkinson, NH

Good Afternoon,

Wonderful turn out! The dedication that is exhibited by parents to their schools and the student body is heartfelt. Thank you to the Atkinson Academy and their PTA and School Principal for hosting last night. Kristine and I thank you and your effort to attend last night. We appreciate your questions and dialog. Have a great School year, see ya at convention.

Michael Mooney
President,
NH PTA

Summer District Meeting # 4 Hinsdale, NH

Good Evening,

Last nights meeting was an exciting evening, of the 5 years of doing these summer meetings attendance last night was the best. The opportunity to meet everyone and have a great start to the School year was tremendous success. The excitement that everyone had and your eagerness to work with one another and your schools in partnership will be a benefit to all. Congratulations!!!

See ya at Convention!

Michael Mooney
President,
NH PTA

Summer District Meeting #3 Farmington,NH

Good Evening,

It's the halfway point of this years Summer District meetings, 3 down 3 to go. Tonight schools from Rye, Hampton, Wakefield, Barrington, Somersworth, Rochester, Milton and Farmington our host attended the informational PTA meeting. The dedication that you have towards your community, schools and the children is priceless. Thank you, thank you for the energy you provide to lead an important segment of the educational experience of our youth. Also, it was a pleasure to have Steve LeClair, Principal from Chamberlain Street School in Rochester, joining us tonight. Thank you for your support!

Michael Mooney
President,
NH PTA

Summer District Meeting #2 Hooksett, NH

Good Evening,

Thank you to Underhill PTA in Hooksett for their hospitality last night. It was a great evening, we had the pleasure of being joined by Dr. Littlefield Superintend for Hooksett and Auburn NH. Schools from Concord to Souheghean and New Boston joined in the evenings agenda. To those Presidents and Board Members and your Families that attended last night THANK YOU, Thank You for your dedication to your schools. Remember NH PTA State Convention November 12th and 13th in Nashua at the Radisson. See ya there!!!

Michael Mooney
President,
NH PTA

Summer District Meeting #1

Good Evening,

The first night of Summer District Meetings completed, tonight districts 1,3 and 4 met in Plymouth, NH. Tomorrow night Hooksett and districts 6 and 10. To the local PTA/PTSA leaders thank you for attending these important meetings.

Michael Mooney
President,
NH PTA

Convention Cover Contest

NH PTA is holding a design cover contest for our convention program in November. We would like to invite any students at PTA schools to enter. Please see website for more info: http://www.nhpta1.org/State_Convention.php .

National PTA Training

Good Afternoon,

National PTA Training is completed for this session. The weekend was full of exciting programs and future developments.

On a personal side I was able to see my nephew Jason whom I had not seen in 6 years. We had a nice time talking and seeing each other.

Ian and I are trying to make our way home. My flights are running on time , however Ian's are another story. His are 3 hours delayed; therefor, he is unable to make his connection in Detroit. What does this mean? I have to get a room in Manchester, and wait for Ian to get back on Monday afternoon. So much for trying to save money for National by sharing a ride to the airport.



Michael Mooney
President,
NH PTA

National PTA Training Last day

Good Morning,

It's 6:45am off to breakfast, bags are packed, ready for last training session Membership. This session will be delivered by our new Director of Membership Anne Wald, looking forward to her ideas for PTA.





Michael Mooney
President,
NH PTA

National Governance Retreat in Denver, August 2010

Where's MacGyver when you need him? Ian and his team were able to build this house from a team building activity during a presidential training. They only had 45 min. and limited items to work with.









PTA State Presidents. What an awesome group of people!

Pogo Challenge

Team Pogo: National President, Chuck Saylors; National Youth Committee, Dani Carver; NH PTA President, Mike Mooney.











Go Chuck!













You can do it Mike!













Team Pirate Byron: Congrats to CEO, Byron Garrett and his team mates for winning the Pogo challenge with 67 bounces.

Saturday at National Training

Good Evening,

It's been a long day as you will see with the Pogo pictures, but fun. As your State President the ideas that being worked on and the transition from Chicago to Washington will benefit us as an association for years to come. I would like to say more but the Brain is fried.




Michael Mooney
President,
NH PTA

After Pogo

Good Morning,

Well it's over the challenge is complete team Saylors 58 bounces, team Byron 67 bounces.

Look for photos soon.

Michael Mooney

National PTA Training

Good Morning,

It's 7:00am to breakfast and our first general session, Our keynote address is by Deputy Director Leon Mineta from the Office of National Drug Comtrol Policy. Some where during the morning is the POGO Stick contest wish me luck, luck on not breaking any bones!!!


Look for updates!!


Michael Mooney
President,
NH PTA

National Board Hard at Work!!!

Mike and Ian with Actress Carol Channing.
Mike participating in The Brain Show game show.

National PTA Training

Good Evening,

It's been a long day. We started this evening with a meet and greet. One of our speakers this weekend is the Actress Carol Channing attended tonight's kickoff. Ian MacDonald and I had our picture taken with Miss. Channing, coming soon to the website. After dinner we had the game show that travels around visiting schools called ( The Brain Show ). Tonight's MC was the founder of The Game Show, Jeff. All tables participated in the fun and humiliation. Early start in the morning, somehow I nominated to be in a pogo stick contest after our first speaker tomorrow. Glad I brought my Ins. cards.


Michael Mooney
President,
NH PTA

National PTA Training

Good Afternoon,

Well I am here. Here being Broomfield, Colorado just north of Denver. National PTA is having a training session for State Presidents, State President Elect, and National Committee Members. That morning started out at 3:00am wake up. Ian MacDonald VP of Outreach for NH PTA picked me up at 3:45am for our ride to Manchester Airport, followed by first leg of the trip to Chicago Midway then on to Denver. The body says it's almost 4:00pm the clock reads 2:00. It's going to be a long night.

I will continue to write this weekend, look for updates.


Michael Mooney
President,
NH PTA

School Day with the Manchester Monarchs

Good Evening;

You might remember last week I attended a meeting with Comm. Barry of NH DOE and the Manchester Monarchs. Exciting news for Middle Schoolers. This year on November 17, 2010 at 11:00 am, the Manchester Monarchs will host the first Monarchs School Day at the Verizon Wireless Arena. This event is a sign of the Monarchs commitment to New Hampshire's youth and their education. To say that it will be fun is an understatement, the idea of creating a educational experience for students across the state by utilizing the exciting game of hockey as a tool to teach Science, Health, Math, New Hampshire's History and more.

Information is being sent to Principles of all Middle Schools in New Hampshire prior to the start of school year.

Hope you are having a great Summer.


Michael Mooney
President,
NH PTA

Free PIRC Workshops

NH PIRC offering free workshops for fall 2010:
Train-the-Trainer
For more info please see link or download pdf literature.

97th NH PTA Convention

SAVE THE DATE: The 97th Annual NH PTA Convention will be Friday, November 12th and Saturday, November 13th at the Radisson Hotel & Convention Center in Nashua, NH. For more info please see State Convention page on our main website.

Website Up and Running

NH PTA website is back up and running as normal. Sorry for the inconvenience yesterday for those who tried to access it.

Website Temporarily Down

ATTENTION NH PTA Members and units: Website hosting is doing maintenance and server updates, so the website will be down temporarily. Please check back later. Email nhpta1@gmail.com if you need info regarding PTA or webmaster@nhpta1.org for website questions.

Meeting with NH Dept of Education

Good Evening,

We (NH PTA) have a meeting tomorrow with the Manchester Monarchs and NH Department of Education. While this is initial meeting between all parties, the goal is benefit the outstanding students of New Hampshire. Look for updates soon.


Michael Mooney
President,
NH PTA

Just announced meeting with US Senator Shaheen's office

Good Evening,

NH PTA received a phone call today from Senator Shaheen's office looking for PTA/PTSA local unit participation in a conversation on several subjects. The date for this conversation is August 12 at 1:00pm in Senator Shaheen's Manchester office. We (NH PTA) are looking representation from Elementary, Middle and High Schools Parents who are advocates for education. I will be getting more information within the next couple of days, if you are interested please email me at NHPTAMIKE@metrocast.net. I will be posting updates on this all important opportunity to represent the children of New Hampshire as soon as I get them.


Michael Mooney
President,
NH PTA

National PTA Creative Programs

Good Evening;

Recently PTA was asked to take part in a television show produced by BYU tv regarding parent involvement in schools. Chuck Saylors (National PTA President) and one of our recent EMLC delegates took part in a 30 minute taping that will air in September on the Brigham Young channel.

This week the producer of that show called our National PTA Offices about their next project. They want to produce a 30 minute show later this year highlighting 3-5 schools in the US that have creative programs to engage parents or serve their community. Here is where PTA needs your help, does your community or school have a successful program? Are you willing to share? Does not matter if it's a Elementary, Middle or High School. Please contact me thru email with (articles,school newsletters,your own written thoughts, etc.) about your schools creative program.

I am leaving for a National PTA State Presidents conference 8/5/10 at 6:00am. I look forward to hearing from you about your programs.


Sincerely,

Michael Mooney
NH PTA
State President

Common Core State Standards Initiative

NH PTA will be hosting along with the NH Dept of Education a discussion on the Common Core State Standards Initiative, on its adoption and implications in the coming years. This will take place on Friday Morning prior to the start of the NH PTA 97th annual Convention. We encourage parents to be a voice in this process, after all our children are the benefactors of this creative thought.


Michael Mooney
President,
NH PTA

Summer District Meetings

Good Afternoon,

How is your summer going? Summer District Meeting are coming soon. Has your school updated it's incoming Board Members list? This update is crucial information to both our State Office and National PTA, it allows a flow of communication to benefit you and your local PTA unit. Have you registered for your schools Big Box of Possibilities from National PTA?



Michael Mooney
President,
NH PTA

July Board of Directors meeting in Concord

We had our Board of Directors meeting on July 15, 2010 at 6pm in Concord. Thank you Mike for treating us to some delicious skewered beef, pineapple glazed pork and shrimp cocktail!!! ...Yuuummmmmm:) Of course we all pitched in and brought some side dishes:) We had a healthy agenda to talk about and by 9:00 pm ...with our tummies full and heads filled with info... we were still able to smile for our group picture ;)

NH Board of Education

I have just left a New Hampshire Board of Education meeting in Concord at the Department of Education.. There was a public hearing on the adoption of the Common Core State Standards Initiative. The Common Core State Standards derived from The National Governors Council and the Association of State School Administrators. There are three subjects being looked at Language Arts, Science and Math of the three portions of the CCSSI this hearing dealt with the Math. There was great discussions and dialog pertaining to the current NH Dept. of Education Standards and what is proposed by the CCSSI. While NH has very good frame work, the CCSSI is more focused with less room for speculation. Several Teachers from around the State , Administrators, and Consultants spoke on the effects and the concept of CCSSI and what it will mean to the Children. I was the last person to speak before the Board, stating that we as Parents must be included in the conversation that without Family Engagement in the education process,
true benefits go unrecognized.

Michael Mooney
President,
NHPTA

America Needs to Resurrect the PTA

Parental involvement in education: The PTA is the ideal institution to revamp parental involvement in education - baltimoresun.com

Take Action on Child Nutrition Bill

Take Action on S. 3307 NOW!!!
Urge your Senators to act on Child Nutrition Bill. Visit the National PTA's Take Action Center for more info.
Click to contact Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and/or Senator Judd Gregg (R-NH).

NH PTA Board of Directors Meeting 07/15/10

The upcoming Board meeting 7/14/10 has been changed to 7/15/10. The meeting is at PSU Graduate Site in Concord campus 2 Pillsbury Street at 6:00 pm. Mike Mooney will be preparing sandwich items or salad topping items. Potluck items should include salads, dressings, veggies, chips & dips, rolls or breads, desserts and non-alcoholic beverages.

Mike

National Convention Photos June 10, 2010

(Click on photos for larger view)

Dinner with AIM Ins.

Karen Gerts, NH P IRC, Chuck Saylors, President National PTA, Alana Acosta, NH PIRC, Michael Mooney President NH PTA.

Opening Ceremony of the 114th National PTA Convention w/ The Navy Band.








Nickelodeon announces Partnership with PTA & Dora the Explorer "Beyond the Back Pack" National Campaign Kickoff.








State Presidents line up for presentation of state flags to start the 114th National PTA Convention.








Presentation of National PTA Life Time Achievement Award to US Secretary of Education Arne Duncan Byron Garrett CEO National PTA, Teresa Williams National PTA Secretary/Treasurer Arne Duncan, Betsy Landers President Elect. National PTA, Chuck Saylors President National PTA.






United States Secretary of Education Arne Duncan Keynote Address.









Former NFL Football Coach Tony Dungy Keynote Speaker and Co-Founder of All Pro Dads. After the kickoff announcement the Million Hours of Power Campaign.

Happy Fathers Day

Good Evening,

As your State President it is my pleasure to congratulate the men involved in PTA at the local and State level, and encourage those fathers not involved but on the HONEY DO LIST to get involved. Your local units need your input, your children's educational future needs all of our support at this time.

Happy Fathers Day!!!!!

Currently in the House of Representatives is a Bill HR 5211 aimed at Family Engagement, this is a Non-Partisan legislation act that we as Members of PTA had a hand in developing. Please call your respected House of Representative Member Carol Shea-Porter or Paul Hodes tell them of the importance of Parent Involvement in Schools regardless of your political party.

Help with the Future of Education of All Children.

Reflections State Winners

Check out the Reflections state winners' artwork on NH PTA website !!!

OFFICERS FORM 2010-2011

If you haven't filled out and returned your 2010-2011 Officers Form to the state office, then you are LATE. You need to submit the form for your unit ASAP (even if there is no change in leadership). This will ensure that you will receive pertinent summer information from the State and National PTA to help your units get up and running in the fall. Please go to NH PTA link above.

National PTA Convention wrap up

Good Afternoon,

It's Monday afternoon, I got home last night or very early this morning 2:45 am. Our last day of Convention was Historic National PTA chartered our 55 Congress the Island of Puerto Rico into the Family of National PTA. We heard from PhD Vicki Phillips from the Gates Foundation, the 2010 National Teacher of the Year Sarah Brown from Iowa. While she applauds parents that are involved parents, her best parents are the parents that ask those questions that aren't always dealing with just grades. What questions do you ask??

Last day of the 114th National PTA Convention

Good Morning,

As the title says it is the last day of this Historic Convention, today we charter our 55 Congress into the Family of PTA. We hear from the current National Teacher of the Year, finish off some unfinished business, last round of workshops, say our good bye's till next year or for Presidents and Committee members August at our training and development workshops.

Michael

Saturday Night at Convention

Good Evening, It's been along day. National PTA has entered into a partnership with Nickelodeon TV and Dora the Explorer, called Dorabeyondthebackpack.com. Our newest National PTA Advisory Board member is the Actress Tichina Arnold who also presented at the Reflections Lunchone and was a Keynote Speaker during our afternoon business session. Tomorrow is the last day, I will be home around 1:30am Monday.

Michael

Saturday Morning at National Convention

Good Morning again,

I have had a productive morning. I walked through the vendors exhibit area and have found some interesting companies to attend our Convention in November. Some of these companies include fundraising opportunities, others are parental concerns areas. Off to my convention duties, more to come.

Memphis National PTA Convention

Good Morning,

It was a short night, meaning it was a good convention party put on by Tenn. delegation. Today's agenda is once again packed 2 rounds of workshops, one long general meeting. This is the general meeting to honor the Nations Reflections Winners. A reminder that 6 of NH students in the Reflections Program have been recognized as Award Merit winners or Honorable Mention at the National Level Congratulations. It's 7:30 am 1st meeting in 30min, got to go. More later.

Michael Mooney
President,
NH PTA

National Convention

Very Busy Day, 2 General Sessions, meet and greet with Coach Tony Dungy and his Wife. Just had 2 Keynote Speakers Mark Levine and US Secretary of Education Arnie Duncan. At the Business meeting all resolutions passed with no changes, this is the first time in 5 years. Collette and Cheryl from the Middle School in Nashua having a great time at the EML conference. Off to the National Convention Party

At National Convention

Good Afternoon,

Exciting news PTA has entered into a partnership with Nickelodeon TV and Dora the Explorer. More to come, on my way to meet Coach Tony Dungy and his Wife Laura. Everything going well business meeting later today.

Michael

Live from Memphis

Hi Folks, I am writing from the National Convention in Memphis. This has been a very busy day starting off at 6:45 am with State Presidents Breakfast and training. This followed up with a conference with a meeting our State PIRC Repesenative to build our releationship. After this we as State Presidents had a walk thru of our opening State by State march of our State Flags. A quick lunch and off to my next assigment as a workshop moderator. I am taking a 45 min break before my next duty, rehearsal for my convention duty Microphone table. Talk with you later.

Michael Mooney

From Mike Mooney: I just arrived in Memphis for the National PTA Convention. Weather is hot and humid. I am setting at the rendezvous BBQ restaurant ready to eat some BBQ ribs! Mmmmmm:) Well, the appointment is not that bad. Can't wait for dinner. This place was on the Food Channel as best ribs in Memphis. Back later friends!